Spotted Shovelnose Catfish

Pseudoplatystoma corruscans is the largest member of its genus and one of the biggest catfish in South America, reaching up to a metre in captivity and exceeding that in the wild. Its pale cream to silver body is liberally covered with irregular dark spots and short bars, giving a distinctive painterly appearance.

In the wild it inhabits large, fast-flowing rivers and undertakes extensive seasonal migrations to spawn. Captive individuals are powerful swimmers and generate substantial biological waste, demanding robust filtration and frequent large water changes. The species is sensitive to water quality deterioration.

Despite its size, the Spotted Shovelnose is generally less aggressive toward tankmates that are too large to be eaten. It tolerates conspecifics in very large systems but may establish dominance hierarchies. Long barbels must be protected from sharp substrate or décor.

Water: 20–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, moderate hardness; very low nitrates essential. Tank: Minimum 1800L for one adult; long tank with powerful filtration and regular 30–50% water changes weekly. Feeding: Carnivore; whole fish, large prawns, mussels, quality large pellets; feed adults 2–3 times per week. Breeding: No captive breeding reported; wild spawning tied to flood cycles. Compatibility: Very large, robust tankmates only; will consume any fish it can overpower.